Jamaican team win UKIP welcome

The announcement that the Jamaican World Athletics team will be training in Birmingham ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games has been hailed by UKIP MEP Nikki Sinclaire.

Birmingham, the country’s second city is determined to play a big part in the nation’s 2012 Olympic Games.

"I extend the welcome to the Jamaican Olympic team - The Olympics are about friendship and co-operation among countries” said Ms Sinclaire.

"UKIP espouses this ideal. The Olympics will be good for the UK and for the West Midlands. I am concerned that the UK retains its individuality and the EU does not try and take over the games as their own."

The Jamaican team decided to be based in Birmingham after talks in Berlin, USA Track and Field are set to sign a deal in the coming weeks to be based in the city.

Chairman of the London Organising Committee Lord Coe is pleased about Birmingham’s involvement in the Olympics.

“These Games will be based in London but I see the impact going way, way beyond the capital. This is a UK-wide event and that’s why it’s vital that cities like Birmingham play their part” said Coe.

“Birmingham has held more World and European championships than any other city in the UK and that reservoir of experience is widely recognised, said the Double Olympic Champion and 12-time world record-holder.

“The city has a great ability to reach out to the sporting community and has shown it can consistently deliver."